The practice of cultivating mudita (empathetic joy) helps us share in the happiness and well-being of others. It counteracts envy, jealousy and the tendency to compare self to others. This moves us away from resentment and feelings of scarcity towards gratitude and generosity.
Many influences shape the thoughts and perceptions of how we view ourselves and the world.
Some result in a fear-based perspective that leads to suffering. Others create more clarity and love in our mind and heart.
Can we consciously choose which ones will determine how we lead our lives and is it possible to not be run by deeply ingrained habits that no longer serve us?
An overview of (1) the nature and importance of concentration in our practice; (2) some suggestions on how to strengthen concentration; (3) some of the challenges of cultivating concentration, including striving, spiritual bypassing, and attachment to states of concentration; and, briefly, (4) the relationship of concentration and insight practice.
After a 'laugh out loud' introductory teaching, the talk deeply explores the Three Characteristics of change, suffering, and not self; and the Three Subtle Characteristics of emptiness, suchness, and 'not there with the object'.
This talk explores Compassion through the following aspects:
Cultivation Aspects: How to Practice and the Near Misses
Wisdom Aspects: The Three Characteristics (change, suffering, not self)
Fruition Aspects: Stories from ancient and modern meditators and activists
This talk discusses how to apply mindfulness to the mind and body. Clarifies what kind of attention is called for in working with thoughts/emotions. Distinguishes mindfulness meditation from psychotherapy, and discusses the relationship between them. Explores "which tool is right for the task."
Encountering aging, illness, and death have the power to awaken us out of the sleepy trance of our daily routines.
How this happened for the Buddha and how it can happen for us are explored in the first of two talks.
MN:125 dealing with renunciation, virtue, sense control, mindfulness, the hindrances and entry to satipatthana by insight. Followed by tranquility. A variant of the gradual training
Mindfulness of Feeling-Tone (the Second Foundation of Mindfulness) and Introduction to the Third Foundation of Mindfulness (here, practicing with thoughts and emotions)
Much of the time our actions are motivated more by concern about what others think about us than what our own truth is.
What would it be like to not be ruled by those thoughts?
Dedicated in memory of Ruth Denison, the Talk explores traditional and innovative applications of the First Foundation of Mindfulness, including
Calming the Bodily Formations and nervous system, the wisdom aspects of mindfulness of the body, and mindfulness in all the postures and activities.
The pathway to our awaken heart includes deep recognition of our barriers to love, and as we open, the courage to express our love. This talk includes a reflection and practice that can support us in inhabiting our full capacity for loving presence.
